Two Modes of Thinking in Heidegger: Calculative and Meditative Thinking

Martin Heidegger, the renowned German philosopher, distinguished between two modes of thinking: calculative thinking and meditative thinking. In his view, calculative thinking was characteristic of modern Western civilization, while meditative thinking was the hallmark of ancient Greek philosophy. In this essay, we will examine the differences between these two modes of thinking and their implications for how we view the world and ourselves.

Calculative thinking, according to Heidegger, is based on the desire to control and manipulate the world around us. It is characterized by a focus on efficiency, productivity, and quantification. In this mode of thinking, the world is seen as a collection of objects that can be measured, analyzed, and manipulated for our benefit. This mode of thinking is closely associated with the rise of modern science and technology, which have allowed us to exert unprecedented control over the natural world.

Meditative thinking, on the other hand, is characterized by a focus on contemplation, reflection, and the search for meaning. It is concerned with understanding the world in a deeper, more fundamental way, rather than simply manipulating it for our purposes. In this mode of thinking, the world is seen as a mystery to be explored, rather than a collection of objects to be controlled. This mode of thinking is closely associated with ancient Greek philosophy, which emphasized the importance of contemplation and reflection as a means of understanding the world and ourselves.

Heidegger believed that calculative thinking had become dominant in modern Western civilization, to the point where it had eclipsed meditative thinking. He argued that this had profound implications for how we view the world and ourselves. In particular, he believed that calculative thinking had led to a sense of alienation from the world and from ourselves, as we became increasingly disconnected from the deeper, more meaningful aspects of life.

One of the key differences between calculative thinking and meditative thinking, according to Heidegger, is their relationship to time. Calculative thinking is concerned with the present moment and with achieving immediate results. It is focused on efficiency and productivity, and is often characterized by a sense of urgency. In contrast, meditative thinking is concerned with the deeper, more fundamental aspects of time, such as the cyclical nature of the seasons and the rhythms of nature. It is focused on contemplation and reflection, and is often characterized by a sense of timelessness.

Another key difference between calculative thinking and meditative thinking is their relationship to language. Calculative thinking tends to rely on technical jargon and specialized terminology, which are often opaque and difficult to understand. In contrast, meditative thinking is concerned with the deeper meanings of language, and seeks to uncover the hidden dimensions of words and concepts. It is often characterized by a poetic style of language, which is rich in metaphor and symbolism.

Heidegger believed that meditative thinking had been largely eclipsed by calculative thinking in modern Western civilization, to the point where we had lost touch with the deeper dimensions of our existence. He argued that this had led to a sense of alienation from the world and from ourselves, as we became increasingly focused on productivity and efficiency, rather than on the deeper, more meaningful aspects of life.

In order to regain a sense of connection with the world and with ourselves, Heidegger believed that we needed to cultivate meditative thinking. This meant taking the time to reflect on the deeper dimensions of our existence, such as the cyclical nature of time, the rhythms of nature, and the hidden meanings of language. It also meant developing a sense of wonder and awe in the face of the world, and recognizing that there are deeper mysteries that cannot be explained by calculative thinking alone.